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Understanding Your Lungs
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Your lungs
Your lungs are found within your chest, situated on either side of your heart and protected by your ribcage.
Each lung is divided into lobes. Your right lung has 3 lobes; your left lung only has 2 (to make way for your heart). Your lungs are covered by a thin protective layer of tissue (called the pleura).
The function of your lungs is to help you breathe. Your body is made up of millions of tiny cells that need oxygen to function. By breathing in air (inhalation), your lungs can transfer oxygen to your blood stream, which can then be sent all round your body. Carbon dioxide, a gaseous waste product of body processes, is collected in the blood stream and expelled through your lungs by breathing out (exhalation).
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How does air get into your body?
Oxygen comes from the air in the atmosphere around you. Air is made up of a mixture of gases, 21% being oxygen. Air (and therefore oxygen) is brought into your lung through the air passages from your nose and mouth. The process of warming, moistening and filtering breathed–in air is continued throughout the respiratory system.
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The respiratory system
The respiratory system is the group of organs, within your body, that are involved with breathing. It includes:
- Nose and mouth
- Pharynx (throat)
- Larynx (voice box)
- Trachea (windpipe)
- The right main bronchus and left main bronchus (airways to each lung)
- Diaphragm (sheet of muscle underneath the ribcage which helps with the process of breathing)
- Intercostal muscles (groups of muscles found between the ribs that help with the process of breathing)
- The lungs
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